When Jesus Seems like a Ghost

Meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Kintore College, Toronto,on January 7, 2026. Mark 6, 45-52: "When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” We cannot let Jesus become for us just a phantom. Something seemingly spiritual, but that we don’t really connect with. Don’t really relate to. This is what happens when our prayer is devoid of a real relational, dialogue aspect. Thumbnail: Rembrandt’s Drawing “Christ Walking on the Water” 1638, from the British Museum. Music: Angelic Choir Library with license, Vienna Phiharmonic Orchestra.